You know that feeling when you stumble across something that just makes you laugh until it hurts? That’s exactly what Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In did for TV audiences back in the day. Hosted by the legendary comedians Dan Rowan and Dick Martin, this iconic series aired from 1968 to 1973. It featured a stellar cast, including the likes of Goldie Hawn, Lily Tomlin, and Richard Dawson. But behind the scenes, Rowan’s life took some pretty incredible turns that shaped who he was both on and off the screen.
From Circus Roots to Hollywood: Dan Rowan's Early Life
Dan Rowan was born on July 22, 1922, in Beggs, Oklahoma, to parents who were no strangers to the spotlight themselves—they performed a circus act. Life wasn’t always easy for young Rowan; he tragically lost his parents and was later adopted by a family in Colorado, where he finished high school. But Rowan’s journey to stardom didn’t stop there. He eventually found his way to Hollywood, working behind the scenes at Paramount Pictures, which must have been an eye-opening experience for someone with dreams bigger than life itself.
But wait, there’s more! Rowan’s story takes a patriotic turn when he joined the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He wasn’t just any soldier—he was a P-40 airplane fighter pilot. Talk about guts and glory! His bravery didn’t go unnoticed; he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and the Purple Heart. Now, that’s what I call a decorated hero. After the war, Rowan returned to California, where he tied the knot with Phyllis Mathis in 1946. Together, they had three beautiful children: Thomas, Mary Ann, and Christie. However, life had other plans, and the couple divorced in 1960. Rowan went on to marry Adriana Van Ballegooyen in 1963, and they stayed together until 1971.
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Rowan and Martin: The Dynamic Duo That Changed Comedy
Before Laugh-In, Rowan and Martin were already making waves with their nightclub comedy act, performing all over the country. Their unique style caught the attention of TV producers, leading to appearances on variety shows and comedy hours. Eventually, NBC saw their potential and offered them the chance to host Laugh-In. This was a game-changer for both of them, but it wasn’t without its challenges. Prior to Laugh-In, Rowan had a bit of a rivalry with Peter Marshall over hosting Hollywood Squares. In fact, Marshall once admitted, “I’ve only disliked two people in my whole life, and Dan Rowan was one of them.” Oof, that’s some serious drama right there!
What Happened After Laugh-In?
Laugh-In wrapped up in 1973 after racking up numerous Emmy Awards and paving the way for female comedians on TV. But Rowan’s story didn’t end there. He continued to make appearances on TV, including cameos on Fantasy Island and The Love Boat. In his later years, Rowan enjoyed a quieter life in Florida with his family. He was married to his third wife, Joanna Young, until his untimely death on September 22, 1987, at the age of 65, after battling cancer. It’s a reminder that even the brightest stars can fade too soon, but their legacy lives on.
